Homeric Greek is full of words that never made it into modern textbooks. Here are 10 rare gems that’ll make you sound like you’ve actually read the epics, not just skimmed the SparkNotes.
1. κλέος (kléos)
κλέος
/klé.os/“glory, fame”
Not just any fame - specifically the kind you get from dying heroically in battle. Central to the Iliad’s ethos. If you’re not familiar with this one, you’re basically a philistine.
2. νόστος (nóstos)
νόστος
/nós.tos/“homecoming, return”
The obsessive theme of the Odyssey. More than just ‘going home’ - implies a brutal, decade-long struggle against gods and monsters. Modern ‘nostalgia’ comes from this, but the original was way less sentimental.
3. μῆνις (mênis)
μῆνις
/mɛ̂ː.nis/“divine wrath”
The first word of the Iliad. Not just anger - this is the kind of rage that gets entire armies slaughtered. Reserved for gods and Achilles.
4. οἶκτος (oîktos)
οἶκτος
/ôi̯k.tos/“pity, compassion”
Rare in Homer, because heroes aren’t big on empathy. When it does appear, it’s usually right before someone gets stabbed.
5. ἀλκή (alkḗ)
ἀλκή
/al.kɛ̌ː/“battle-strength, prowess”
Not just physical strength - implies the unstoppable force of a warrior in their prime. Ajax had it. Paris did not.
6. δαίμων (daímōn)
δαίμων
/dǎi̯.mɔːn/“divine power, fate”
Later watered down to ‘demon’. In Homer, it’s the unseen force that screws over mortals. When things go wrong, blame the δαίμων.
7. ἆσαι (âsai)
ἆσαι
/âː.sai̯/“to sate, satisfy”
Usually used for hunger or lust. In Homer, it’s what vultures do to corpses. Cheery.
8. ὀϊζύς (oïzýs)
ὀϊζύς
/o.iː.zýs/“misery, suffering”
The default human condition in the epics. If you’re not suffering, you’re probably a god - or dead.
9. θάρσος (thársos)
θάρσος
/tʰár.sos/“courage, boldness”
Not the absence of fear - the kind of reckless bravery that gets you killed. Diomedes had it in spades.
10. ἠύς (ēǘs)
ἠύς
/ɛː.ýs/“noble, excellent”
Used for heroes, horses, and ships. If it’s not ‘ἠύς’, it’s probably trash.
Want more? Check out our guide to essential Homeric Greek phrases for bards or the Homeric Greek vs Latin comparison.
